Mickelson Wins British Open with Clutch Final Round

Mickelson shot a 5-under 66 Sunday to match the best round of the tournament and win his first claret jug. The celebration began while there were still four groups on the course. Lefty birdied four of the last six holes, capped by a 10-footer at the tough 18th to claim his fifth major title.

As soon as the ball dropped in the cup, Mickelson pumped his fists in triumph, knowing it would be hard for anyone to chase down his 3-under 281 total. He headed off to hug his wife and kids while his caddie broke down in tears.

Lee Westwood started the day with a two-stroke lead but his chances ended when he failed to make eagle at the 17th. Adam Scott briefly held the outright lead on the back side, but four straight bogeys ended his hopes of a second major title.

Mickelson sees his name engraved on the claret jug, adding the British Open championship to his three wins at the Masters and a PGA Championship title.

Lee Westwood was poised to finally win his first major title, with a two-shot lead to start the final round. But the 40-year-old Englishman struggled from the outset and continues to go winless in the big events. He shot 4-over 75 to finish four shots back of Mickelson. That left Westwood tied for third with Masters champ Adam Scott and Ian Poulter at 1-over par.

Sweden’s Henrik Stenson’s 1-under 70 was good for second place, three shots back of the winner.

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